City Council approves cost-savings & next steps in provincial recycling regulations

City Council has approved a move on Tuesday, that saves more than $1.4 million in loan interest and initiates next steps in meeting the new provincially mandated recycling regulations.

Starting April 1, the Government of Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program will put the cost of recycling printed paper and packaging back on the producers. This means the companies that produce your favourite foods, beverages, household items and more will now be responsible for the cost of recycling the packaging of their products. The EPR program will be pushed out to every residential recycling program across Alberta, like in other provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario.

The provincial oversight body, Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA), has appointed Circular Materials, the only producer responsibility organization, to deliver the recycling program for communities across the province. The City has been working closely with Circular Materials to secure contracts that will allow for residents to receive the same curbside collection and depot processing services they currently receive. 

“Much like when you get your home ready to sell, we want to make sure our offer is as competitive and attractive as it can be for the buyer, Circular Materials,” says Mandi Parker, General Manager, Waste & Environment Department. “By eliminating the debt of the Materials Recycling Facility, we’re putting our best foot forward for the buyer and saving more than $1.4 million in interest on the loan for the facility.”

The Materials Recycling Facility debt will be paid off by using funds set aside for the Waste & Environment Department’s future Asset Lifecycle Funding, meaning residents will not see an increase to their utility rates at this time. The full impact of the EPR program will be assessed as negotiations progress and more information becomes available.

“The decision we made today allows Administration to negotiate the best deal for Lethbridge in an effective and nimble way. It also saves more than $1.4 million in interest we would have paid out over the life of the loan,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “Ultimately, we want residents to enjoy the same reliable service they’ve come to know and appreciate with their blue cart and the decisions made today allow us to do that.”

In December last year, City Council approved the recommendation from Administration which will reduce residential utility bills by $7-$9 per month, based on the type of recycling collection service residents receive. The EPR changes will not impact apartment and condominium complexes that opted to be exempt from the recycling collection program and they will be included in the program in October 2026.

Residents can expect to see this reduction in their utility bills starting April 1, 2025.

For Public Inquiries:
Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.